Chinese President Xi Jinping on Monday visited Saihanba Forest Farm in north 
China's Hebei Province. Three generations of tree planters' unremitting efforts 
have turned the once vast barren land into the world's largest man-made forest.

During his visit, President Xi listened to the work report by the local 
government in coordinating the protection and restoration of mountains, rivers, 
forests, farmland, lakes and grass, indicating that green development will be 
elevated to a higher position in the country's modernization drive.

Covering an area of about 93,000 hectares, Saihanba almost became a wasteland 
in the 1950s due to rampant tree felling operations, which also caused sand 
storms threatening Beijing and adjacent regions. 

In 1962, hundreds of foresters embarked on tree planting in Saihanba to change 
the tide of rapid desertification. After three generations' hard efforts, the 
forest coverage has increased from 11.4 percent to 80 percent, currently 
supplying some 137 million cubic meters of clean water to the Chinese capital.

During the ceremonies honoring those who have contributed to the victory 
against extreme poverty, Saihanba Forest Farm was conferred the national title 
of role model. It also won the 2017 Champions of the Earth award, the highest 
honor of its kind by the United Nations. 

Xi talked to some foresters, inspected the growth of trees, and listened to the 
introduction of farm's efforts in carrying forward the Saihanba spirit and 
promoting high-quality development. Saihanba has become a symbol of the Chinese 
spirit of hard work and a vivid example of eco-civilization.

Eco-friendly growth pattern

Despite increasing downward pressure over the years, China has been steadfast 
in resisting the old ways of economic expansion, and their severe impact on the 
environment. To this end, the top leadership has repeatedly underscored a key 
development approach as Xi had vividly put as "lucid waters and lush mountains 
are invaluable assets." 

In June, the General Office of the State Council issued a guideline for 
adopting scientific measures as part of China's afforestation efforts to 
fundamentally improve the country's natural environment. 

It urges efforts to grow trees and grass following the inherent rules of the 
ecosystem to improve the stability of the ecosystem and its capacity for 
self-repair. 

Xi has paid great attention to adopting a scientific approach to China's 
high-quality land greening and has on many occasions called for more efforts in 
promoting afforestation and protecting forest resources. 

According to forestry and grassland authorities, China has successfully halted 
the expansion of desertification, with the desertification area shrinking by an 
annual average of 2,424 square kilometers.

https://news.cgtn.com/news/2021-08-24/President-Xi-inspects-forest-farm-in-Hebei-Province-12YMORjQ9yM/index.html


Soure: CGTN